NEW YORK — As many Americans begin planning for their first (almost) post-COVID holiday, seven in 10 believe it will be a holiday season for the history books.
A new survey of 2,000 Americans 21 or older sought to find how important someone’s holiday “firsts” are and how people are making new memories ahead of their first (almost) post-COVID holiday. Two in three respondents say this holiday season will be special to them and their families due to the limitations of the pandemic last year.
Getting the band back together
Three in five respondents add their families are looking forward to connecting this holiday season because they haven’t spent much time together since the coronavirus outbreak first started in spring 2020. Furthermore, 60 percent are taking this holiday season as an opportunity to try new things with their families to make up for lost time.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Firstleaf Wine Club, the survey found 82 percent of respondents agree there’s nothing more memorable than experiencing something for the first time.
When it comes to the holidays specifically, hosting a holiday for the first time on their own ranks as the most memorable first (39%). Decorating their own home for this wonderful time of the year (38%) followed closely behind. Other memories topping the holiday list include the first holiday spent with a significant other (37%), their first time celebrating the holidays solo (33%), and their first holiday with a child (32%).
After reflecting on all these fond memories, it’s no surprise that 71 percent of Americans wish they could experience these “firsts” all over again.
“As we quickly approach the two-year mark of the pandemic, we realize how important it is to enjoy the little things in life,” says Philip James, Founder and CEO of Firstleaf, in a statement. “Firsts present new experiences and open the door to moments of exploration and discovery. The survey shows that Americans are eager to come together again, and we look forward to helping them celebrate life’s everyday firsts.”
New tastes of the holidays
To bring back these moments of joy, 66 percent of respondents say they’re interested in trying a new experience this holiday season and 63 percent specifically want to expand their flavor palette and try new foods.
In fact, trying a new cuisine (38%) is one of the top things respondents want to do in the next year, followed by becoming more wine savvy (28%).
“The holidays are the perfect time to start a new tradition, try something new, or step outside your comfort zone,” James adds. “With 73 percent of respondents sharing that they believe you should always bring a bottle of wine to gift your holiday host, this is the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites.”